Band Profile: Fail Safe

By: Holly Castillo

Ft. Lauderdale, 2003 - a new band, Failsafe, emerges from the music scene. What's different about them? Not only do they have potential, they also have a tremendous amount of talent.

They invited a friend and me to visit them during their recording session in Ft. Lauderdale, where they were working on their new CD. Failsafe's vocalist, Fernando Manitto, greeted us outside their studio and he looked like a pirate searching for land, exploding with anticipation. His band mates, drummer Ryan Chonka, bassist Guillermo Vega and guitarist Chris Proano, were all inside, either viewing a past show they had videotaped or busy laying down their tracks. The band had put in extremely long hours in the studio; every ounce of energy and effort went into making the best CD they could possibly create.

For a newly formed band (eight months into the making), Failsafe is sure getting its name spread. Not only have they played with such local acts like Whatserface, but they have also opened for national recording artists Endo, who were once local to South Florida.

With influences ranging from the Smashing Pumpkins to Iron Maiden to Frank Zappa, this foursome brings a variety of musical tastes to the stage, which is displayed with their covers of Incubus and 311 songs in their sets. What drives the guys to make music? Pure inspiration.

"Music is like therapy," Fernando proudly stated. "I get to say things I don't get to say in [a] conversation. People read our lyrics and interpret them in different ways."

Songs like "Trip and Fall" and "Empty Promises" leave plenty to be interpreted. Performing songs that people can relate to is something many fans enjoy, hence Failsafe's rise in popularity.

At one point in time, Failsafe, without Guillermo, was previously known as the band Solar. Their lineup change created an undeniable chemistry and now they have the product that we hear today. Although the band hasn't played as many shows as the local scene veterans, their fan base grows widely.

"Fans can expect good quality," claimed Ryan. "We try to play good music, put on a good show and have a shitload of fun."

Sounds like something you'd be interested in seeing? Head over to www.failsafeonline.com and check out the dates for a show near you.

If you have been craving an upbeat, amazing show with a band that has great songs, catchy lyrics and good stage presence, then check out Failsafe.